Bird Mite

Primarily found in bird nests (sparrows, pigeons, starlings) and occasionally infesting homes through vents or windows once nests are abandoned.

Obligate blood-feeders; they primarily feed on the blood of birds but will bite humans if their avian hosts are unavailable.

They are highly active crawlers that aggregate in large numbers. While they cannot complete their life cycle on human blood, they can survive for several weeks and cause significant skin irritation.

Risks include intense itching, dermatitis, and potential secondary infections from scratching. They are considered a nuisance pest in residential areas and do not provide any ecosystem benefits.